The first VIT-AP International FIDE-rated Chess tournament began in Amaravati on Monday, June 1, with 417 participants from 15 States and also the United States of America, vying for the Champion title.
The tournament, is being organised by the VIT-A.P. University and the Andhra Chess Association (ACA) from June 1 to 5. It comprises of two major FIDE-rated international tournaments: the VIT-AP Amaravati International Open Chess Tournament 2026 (June 1–5) and the VIT-AP Amaravati International Below-18 unrated players Chess Tournament 2026 (June 6–8), carrying a combined prize fund of ₹30 lakh. It is being played in a 9-round Swiss League format with a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from move one. The championship will conclude on June 5. Among the participants are 325 internationally-rated players, including 97 female players.
Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta inaugurated the event. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harish Kumar pointed out that chess is a game that develops strategic thinking, discipline, patience, and decision-making abilities— qualities essential for leadership and nation-building. He added that such events contribute significantly to the holistic development of youth and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as a hub for sporting and educational excellence.
Later, Ake Ravi Krishna, Inspector General of Police, who attended as the guest of honour, said by bringing together players from different regions and countries, the event promotes not only competitive excellence but also cultural exchange and mutual learning.
P. Arulmozhivarman, Vice-Chancellor, VIT-AP University, welcomed the students while A. Suresh, president, Andhra Chess Association, called the tournament a significant milestone in the growth of chess in Andhra Pradesh.
Participants are from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, and also from the USA.
The top seed of the tournament is Sri Sai Baswanth P. (Andhra Pradesh) with an Elo rating of 2344, followed by B. Vignesh, Tamil Nadu State Champion, and S. Haridev, Tamil Nadu Under-17 Champion.
Nagesh–SP Eagle Cell, Guntur, Vakul Jindal, Superintendent of Police, Guntur, and other university authorities were present on the occasion.
Published – June 01, 2026 07:44 pm IST
